UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Paul McMonigle, Penn State University Libraries’ engineering instruction librarian in the Engineering Library, has been selected to participate in the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2023 class of Emerging Leaders.
The Emerging Leaders program is a leadership development program that enables newer library workers from across the United States to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers.
“Paul has been proactive in outreach to library users, particularly students who are veterans of the military services,” said Mihoko Hosoi, associate dean for collections, research and scholarly communications at Penn State University Libraries. “This program will help to further develop his leadership capabilities.”
“This is a highly competitive and prestigious program,” added Rebecca Waltz, associate dean for learning and engagement for the Libraries. “Paul’s acceptance is an honor both for him and for the University Libraries. It puts Paul on the fast track to professional leadership in the ALA as well as other library-related organizations.”
McMonigle was one of 46 people chosen to participate in the 2023 class of Emerging Leaders. The program will kick off with a virtual daylong session during the ALA LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience virtual event Jan. 27-30. Participants will continue in an online learning and networking environment for six months, culminating with a poster session highlighting the results of their work during the ALA 2023 annual conference in June in Chicago.
The Emerging Leader cohort consists of individuals from across the United States and Canada. Participants commit to taking part in all aspects of the program and may have an opportunity to serve on an ALA division, chapter, roundtable or affiliate committee or work group upon completion.
“Paul will be working with some of the most innovative librarians in the country,” said McMonigle’s supervisor, John Meier, head of the STEM Libraries at Penn State and himself a past participant of the Emerging Leaders program. “Their group projects and the connections made can last many years after the program.”
The complete list of selected participants and sponsoring organizations, along with additional program details, can be found on the ALA's Emerging Leaders webpage.